A United Nations report has indicated that the "Khorasan Province" of ISIS is expanding in Afghanistan, with the number of its fighters nearing 6,000. The report states that "Al-Qaeda" is rebuilding training camps in Afghanistan and that the "Taliban" is allied with Al-Qaeda, allowing it to operate freely and providing protection for its leaders. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham commented on the report, emphasizing that he has no doubt about its accuracy in documenting the deep ties between the "Taliban" and "Al-Qaeda".
According to a new report from the UN Security Council, detailed by Fox News, "ISIS Khorasan" is the most dangerous current terrorist threat in Afghanistan, estimating its fighters to be between 4,000 and 6,000. Since the fall of the country, the organization has benefited from increased operational capabilities and freedom of movement within Afghanistan.
However, the most concerning aspect for the United States is the confirmation in the report that the relationship between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups remains "strong." The report indicates that the bond between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban is not only strong, but Al-Qaeda is also protecting senior Taliban officials and has attempted to infiltrate the government. A Taliban leader linked to Al-Qaeda has taken the position of Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Intelligence. It was also revealed that the Taliban has provided Al-Qaeda with monthly "social payments."
The UN report highlights divisions within the Taliban and competition for power, describing this situation as dangerous and undermining the regime in Afghanistan. The report further indicates that Al-Qaeda is using Afghanistan as a logistical hub for recruiting new fighters and quietly rebuilding its operational capabilities, directly contradicting the Taliban's commitments to the international community in 2021. According to the report, Al-Qaeda is currently present in key centers such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Helmand, and is establishing new training camps in the country.
